WOODWARD TOWNSHIP -- Boaters from all over the country made some noise at an annual race in Clinton County over the holiday weekend. Newswatch 16 found out what all the commotion was about in Lock Haven.
Boats roared past racer Aaron Fausay from Lock Haven. Fausey strapped on his helmet and got onto his boat along the shore of the Susquehanna River near Lock Haven.
"(It’s) a lot of fun, a lot of competition,” said Aaron Fausey.
Fausey is one of dozens of racers who competed in the 44th annual Lock Haven Jaycees Regatta over this Labor Day weekend.
"Between the noise, the smoke, the smell of the fuel, anybody who races anything, that's what gets you going,” said Billy Allen from Massachusetts.
Racers come from all over the country to compete in the traditional boat race. They say they keep coming back to Lock Haven because of the river and the community
"It's a past tradition in my family to come and watch the boats every year," said Carson Karichner.
Karichner is from Mill Hall and sat in the stands with his kids and watched the boats buzz by.
"Watching the boat races, walking around and seeing all the crafts and stuff,” said Haley Karichner.
"Some people in Lock Haven say this is more than just a boat race. They come over the weekend to check out all the crafts and the food.”
"Funnel cakes always want some funnel cakes and lemonade,” said Austin Kessinger.
So while the fans watched the boats, others like Austin Kessinger and his family stopped by the carnival and craft show.
"It's definitely a busy thing here. It brings in a lot of people in to town,” said Kessinger.
"When the boat racers are racing their wives and children are here to shop,” said Freida Toner from Lock Haven.
"It's nice to see people out enjoying themselves,” said Peggy Johnston.
Of course, the Jaycees like to close the Regatta with a bang; fireworks mark the end of the three-day event in and near Lock Haven.
